Nikon 135mm Plena - Great, But Not For Everyone (Review and Examples) 

I've wanted a Nikon 135mm lens for many years (as I shoot outdoor portraits with the 70-200mm there a lot. After waiting for a long time, I purchased a used 200mm f/2. The smooth rendering and transition zones of the 135mm remind me of the 200mm. Prior to that, I also used the 105mm f/1.4 a lot. Different animal for a different type of shot. That said, two other photographer friends are all looking into buying a 200mm f/2 (one Nikon, one Canon) because of the shots I constantly share with them. (I told them don't do it - but I love that lens). Heavy- Ha. The Plena would be a delight. I'm not really sure I need the 135mm f/1.8 anymore - faster (slightly), lighter (a bunch), distance to subject (a bit closer) - but I'm not sure it's enough to make a difference or make it worth it. Now, one thing Alan I've recently started to do (I'm not a professional photographer as my shirt reminds people), I've ignored advice to "only shoot at f/2. That's why you buy that lens". I found that while the background does become identifiable, the 200mm's smooth transition zones hold up even at f/7.1 - where the background can be sort of identified, and isn't crushed so that you don't know what's there. I've found it both fun, and challenging to not get hung up in the fast aperture trap. Making sure, when stopped down, that everything in the photograph belongs and is essential to the story. The 200mm still looks far better than any other lens shot that way. When I use it for indoor action adult ice hockey shots - while it is not nearly as flexible as zooms, the players love the action images with the 200mm. For the kids, the Mom's love seeing their child shot with the 200mm. My comments were prior to you mentioning the 200mm f/2 at the end. I was curious to see a comparison between the 200mm f/2 and 135mm f/1.8. I haven't see n one on RU-vid yet - probably because few have both. Which would you choose? And, do you need both?

Excellent approach and guidance. Thanks!

The image circle is move evenly illuminated, with more light rays hitting the sensor at close to a right angle. The image circle may be wider, but that is not the main feature, and most likely the image circle is restricted by some mechanical vignetting (outside the full frame area, of course).

I just bought my 135 from Best Buy 1 week ago. Haven’t had a chance to really use it. Moved back to Nikon from Fuji. The rumored 35mm 1.2 sounds very appealing to me. That’s I’ll need. 2 lenses.

This lens look stunning!

Had mine for a month or so, I love it, it is absolutely amazing. I use it for landscapes and generally turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Balances beautifully on the Z*, once its on the camera I don't want to take it off!

I have one and have found that due to its superior optical quality, making panoramas with it creates the most amazing high resolution, high megapixel images! Shooting at 135mm also takes me out of my comfort zone. I know I can use it for portraits but finding ways to use it in other photography, I think, makes me a better photographer. Fun review and nice rodeo shots! 👍🏾

This is an excellent review, this lens is on my list!

You got many fair points, Thank you❤

Made the switch to mirrorless via Z8 and The Plena and now my D850 and the 200 f/2 VR don't see much the light of day for street portraits.

Great review and comparisons. However, DoF on 105 /1.4 and 135 /1.8 are exactly the same

I'm looking at this lens for Rodeo/Barrel Racing, I think you just sold it for me!

Hi - I am a street photographer, I have Nikon Z6II camera with 24-70 f4 lens, I also have 50mm f1.8 z lens, which i usually use most of the time, I live in Montreal and most of the photos I shoot in the city, I am thinking to buy 135 f1.8 lens, do you think that this lens will be good for urban landscape photography? Thanks for the reply in advance.

Pleno, plenaria, are derives but I think theres more.

Great review. Thx. Q: if you were to choose one, would you go with 105 1.4 or 135 1.8? Thx.

Plena is also a name of a music genre from P. Rico🎼🎹🎵

Interested to see a comparison between this and 85mm 1.2. Currently have 35mm and 24-70mm, and debating on Plena vs 85mm 1.2. I feel 85mm might be better for my use case since it looks more versatile and forgiving.

Plenamente es una cosa plena. "Theres plena cerveza for everybody. (plenty)

is the ZF "enough" for the Plena? I have the Z8 but thinking about buying the ZF for travel and street. I have the 50mm 1.2 and 105 2.8 but I really want to try the Plena.

If shooting above F2, just go with a cheaper lenses out there, the strength of this lens is get as close

Did this come out today or yesterday?

This one is not for me,I don't think I would have any photos at 135 unless I hit it on a zoom. great review though! I might check Nikon Image Space so I can see how many photos I have at 135....I went back and checked on 135 focal length: less than 5 photos

I’m so tempted. I own the 50 1.2, 85 1.8, and 70-200 2.8 S. But I need the 135, right?

How about to compare Plena to Nikon 135mm F2 DC lens. Plena is overpriced and I don’t think is worth to buy if you already own 105mm 1.4 or 135mm F2 DC.

Very good video, but I wish you could have hired a good professional model to illustrate.

This is the 20th BS video to justify 2700 euros for a lens....the same thing does Samyang, Sony lens much cheaper....if i put plena lens and sony lens side by side you wont know which is which and there is at least 1000 euros difference